Financial Sustainability

At Empathy School, financial stewardship is one of the ways we care for students, families, and staff. Our plan is built for the long term so learning can continue smoothly—no matter what the world brings.

At a glance

• We maintain approximately one full school year of financial runway. The school has no debt of any kind and a significant number of capital assets.
• Even during COVID, no one at Empathy School had their salary reduced, and we did not make layoffs due to financial reasons.
• We plan for real, local risks. This is not metaphorical: the volcano will erupt. Mount Agung erupted in 2017. Although Empathy School was not yet open, events like this—and COVID—caused real financial strain and even bankruptcies for many organizations. We plan with those realities in mind.

Why we keep a one‑year runway

Schools thrive when teachers can focus on students, not uncertainty. Our practice is to set aside enough funds to cover all teachers’ salaries for one full school year. That reserve gives us the ability to keep classes running, support our team, and make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones if there’s a disruption.

Practical, not just “conservative”

This approach isn’t about being conservative for its own sake—it’s about being realistic and responsible in our context. Travel slowdowns, natural events, and other surprises can happen; our financial plan ensures we’re ready and our community stays supported.

How we steward resources

• Multi‑year budgeting and scenario planning.
• Prudent spending aligned to student learning.
• Enrollment and tuition planning that prioritizes predictability for families.
• Reserves that are deployed when needed and then replenished.

What this means for your family

• Stability for students and continuity of programs.
• Consistent support for teachers and staff.
• Clear, timely communication about how we’re planning for the future.

Our commitment

We will continue to maintain approximately one year of financial runway, protect salaries, and manage the school’s resources with clarity and care. We’re proud of this planning because it lets our educators do what they do best—teach—while giving families confidence that Empathy School is built for the long term.